Vase of Flowers, by Gwen John

During most of her lifetime Gwen John was overshadowed by the fame of her younger brother the artist Augustus John (1878-1961). Today she is internationally acclaimed as one of the first modernist artists to emerge and her fame has eclipsed her brother’s.

This oil on board painting was created in the style of dry painting with an impasto brush in Paris possibly as her affair with the famous sculptor Rodin was drawing to a close and after the sudden death in 1907 of her sister-in law, Augustus John’s’ wife, Ida. During this period, encouraged by Rodin, Gwen John made a self-conscious return to painting and during which she created some of her best-known images whilst at the same time battling with depression and sporadic illness. This was during a period before she became increasingly interested in the Catholic faith. There is a sense of stillness to this work but also a sense of unease due to the garment which has been flung over a piece of furniture in the background. John’s work is reminiscent of post-impressionist painting, due to small brush strokes and close values. John makes bold marks and is expressive in her use of colour and tone, without overcooking the lights and darks. This painting is strongly composed and balanced, owing to solid geometric shapes and forms.